Tragedy struck the Georgia football program Saturday morning as word came out that Sonny Smart, the father of head coach Kirby Smart, passed away early Saturday morning after complications that arose from a hip surgery. Smart reportedly fell at his New Orleans hotel earlier this week which led to the need of this surgery.
According to the below statement from Georgia that was released on Saturday, he was surrounded by his wife Sharon and three kids Kirby, Karl and Kendall.
"The Smart family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. Additionally, they ask for your continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day," the statement from UGA read. "The Smart family treasures everyone's thoughts and prayers and now prays for God's comfort, strength, and guidance."
Times like this are impossible to get through, and while the entire Smart family will take this time to reflect on his memory and grieve with their family and friends, the Georgia football community and team came to offer their support to their head coach and the entire family with the below messages posted on social media.
Social media messages in support of Smart and his family
Sorry for the loss. My Prayers and Thoughts go out to My Coach @KirbySmartUGA & Family. As they navigate this profound loss. 🙏🏾😢❤️🖤
— Khalil “KJ”Bolden (@KhalilBolden2) January 4, 2025
Thank You Coach ❤️. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors thank you for being strong for us 🤞🏾 . We’re all here for you ! RESILIENT pic.twitter.com/npCpbmTHtW
— Nathaniel Frazier (@NateUA1_) January 4, 2025
I’m behind this man right or wrong!! You a soldier, knowin this just gon fuel you💯Love you coach 4L pic.twitter.com/qPGiJrssQT
— Nitro Tuggle (@nitrotuggle333) January 4, 2025
.@KirbySmartUGA is one of the best Leaders, Competitors and Family Man I’ve ever worked with( or seen). He obviously had a great Teacher in his Father and Mother. The influence of his Father was apparent and I was privileged to hear about it at different times. RIP Sonny. pic.twitter.com/P2qosz0ppv
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) January 4, 2025
Awful news this morning hearing about the passing of Sonny Smart .
— Shane Beamer (@CoachSBeamer) January 4, 2025
I’ve known Kirby for 25 years and always enjoyed my interactions with his dad.
He was a BALL COACH thru and thru -And a competitor. I’m still recovering from the beat down Coach Smart & my dad gave Kirby and I…
Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to learn of his passing. I had the privilege to visit with Sonny many times and enjoyed every conversation. Our sympathies go out to Kirby Smart and his family and to all who knew his dad.
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) January 4, 2025
Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sonny Smart. An incredible father and husband and a great coach in his own right, he was a constant presence at Georgia football games along with his wife Sharon. Sonny embodied the values and strength that we…
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 4, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Smart and the family and friends impacted by this news. Losing a loved one will always be difficult if not impossible to overcome, but thankfully the Georgia community will always be here to offer their support and help the Smart family in any way that they can.